Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Arts in Eastern Languages program is holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating graduates with advanced linguistic skills, deep cross-cultural competencies, and the critical thinking abilities essential for global citizenship. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing proficiency in key Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and an understanding of their rich cultural contexts, provides a robust framework for contributing to a more interconnected and sustainable world. The program is a powerful enabler of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as mastery of these languages is critical for regional diplomacy, business, and collaboration. It directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping graduates with high-demand skills for international careers in trade, tourism, and education. Furthermore, by fostering deep cultural understanding, the program is fundamental to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is the essence of quality education, providing comprehensive training in major Eastern languages. It equips students with the linguistic and analytical skills necessary for lifelong learning and global citizenship, and also prepares future educators, directly contributing to the quality of education for others.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS312101 | Chinese 1 | Directly supports quality education by providing foundational skills in a major world language, a key component of a comprehensive education for global citizenship (Target 4.7). |
| HS322101 | Japanese 1 | Provides essential language skills that increase the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship in a globalized world (Target 4.4). |
| HS332101 | Korean 1 | Promotes lifelong learning by introducing students to a new language and culture, fostering curiosity and the ability to acquire new knowledge (Target 4.3). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates with high-demand language skills for the globalized economy. Proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean is critical for careers in international trade, business, tourism, translation, and logistics with Asia's economic powerhouses.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS313203 | Chinese for Business Communication | Directly supports decent work and economic growth by equipping students with the specific language skills required for international trade and commerce (Target 8.2). |
| HS323205 | Japanese for Tourism Industry | Contributes to sustainable tourism, a key driver of economic growth and job creation, by providing essential communication skills for the hospitality sector (Target 8.9). |
| HS334901 | Chinese-Thai Translation | Creates opportunities for decent work in the language services industry, which supports global trade and communication (Target 8.5). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: This program works to reduce inequalities by dismantling language barriers and fostering deep cross-cultural understanding between Thailand and key East Asian nations. By teaching the languages and cultures of diverse societies, it promotes empathy, mutual respect, and more inclusive and equitable interactions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS313301 | Chinese Culture | Contributes to reducing inequalities by fostering an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which is essential for inclusive and respectful global interactions (Target 10.3). |
| HS323301 | Japanese Culture | Promotes social inclusion by providing insights into Japanese society, enabling students to communicate and engage in a culturally sensitive manner (Target 10.2). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies by fostering the cross-cultural understanding that is a prerequisite for peace. Effective communication and an appreciation for different cultures, learned through language, are fundamental to resolving conflicts and building peaceful relationships between nations.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS313301 | Chinese Culture | Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by providing insights into the values, history, and social structures of Chinese culture, fostering mutual understanding (Target 16.7). |
| HS323601 | Introduction to Japanese Literature | Contributes to a culture of peace by analyzing literary works that explore complex social and historical themes, enhancing students' capacity for empathy and cross-cultural reflection. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: This program is a key enabler of partnerships for the goals. Advanced proficiency in major Asian languages is the foundational tool for effective regional collaboration in diplomacy, science, business, and development. This curriculum provides the essential linguistic and cultural competencies needed to strengthen partnerships for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS313203 | Chinese for Business Communication | Directly supports the global partnership for sustainable development by providing the language skills necessary for regional trade and investment (Target 17.17). |
| HS333796 | Internship | Encourages and promotes effective partnerships by immersing students in professional environments where they can apply their language skills to real-world collaborative projects (Target 17.17). |